DENVER- Just after ending the 2006-2007 season, Colorado Ballet, members of the company’s dancer negotiation committee and a representative from the American Guild of Musical Artists (AGMA) reached a tentative three-year agreement. The agreement will need to be ratified by Colorado Ballet dancers when they return in July and approved by both the Colorado Ballet Board of Trustees as well as AGMA’s Board of Governors, but all parties are equally encouraged with the results of the negotiations.

“We recognize what AGMA brings to the organization and we’re very excited to reach this agreement,” said Colorado Ballet Artistic Director Gil Boggs, “Colorado Ballet now joins the ranks of most major ballet companies with union representation for their dancers and it’s great to have it happen well in advance of the season opening in October.”

The accord came at 1:30 a.m. on April 12, 2007, after nearly a year of talks.

“It was a tremendous amount of work on both sides to get a first agreement but the process was very constructive,” said Colorado Ballet Executive Director Lisa Snider, “This agreement will work in tandem with the company’s recently adapted strategic plan, part of which is to attract and retain world-class talent. I think this puts Colorado Ballet in a competitive position, which is a very positive thing.”

Leadership for AGMA also expressed optimism about the agreement.

“As AGMA’s representative and Eastern Counsel, it is a privilege working with the dedicated artists of Colorado Ballet and their representatives on the negotiating committee,” said Deborah Allton Maher, “This is an excellent first contract achieved by leadership focused on the best possible agreement for the benefit of Colorado Ballet and its dancers. Through this process, we have established a firm foundation for positive communication, trust and mutual respect between all the parties as we move into what most certainly will be a very bright present and future for Colorado Ballet.”

“The foresight of both the management and the dancers of Colorado Ballet, and their mutual commitment to become an AGMA Signatory Company is further evidence of the trend toward unionization of dance companies seeking a higher level of success and artistry,” said Alan Gordon, Executive Director of AGMA.

Colorado Ballet’s dancer negotiation committee issued a statement also indicating their support of the process and the agreement:

“The dancers are very excited with the completion of this tentative agreement and we are pleased to be involved in the process of creating our work environment,” they said. “We’re looking forward to a future with AGMA and believe that this is a critical first step in taking Colorado Ballet to the next level.”

Details of the agreement will become available after dancer ratification and board approvals later this summer.